VISIBLE

An Italian Jazz Fusion band, based in Rome, and led by keyboardist Carlo Mezzanotte.He was already known as an accomplished arranger, composer and pianist during the 80's, working in several theater projects and jazz collectives, while in the 90's he became involved in Rodolfo Maltese's Ethno-Rock act Indaco.At the same time, around 1993/94 he established Syntaxis along with guitarist Massimiliano Rosati, drummer Stefano Pacioni and veteran bassist Valerio Serangeli.They released the debut album ''Visible'' in 1997 on the Iktius label, recorded at the UM Studios and featuring also Alberto Di Giacomo on percussion, Maurizio Lazzaro on additional guitars and Francesco Marini on steinerphone, a trumpet-like instrument.

While this is far from a flawless release, you can only but admire the solid Electric Fusion of Carlo Mezzanotte and his company, which draws influences from Free Jazz, guitar-based Fusion ala ALAN HOLDSWORTH and more typical jazzy works from the 70's in the vein of compatriots IL BARICENTRO and AGORA or even BRAND X.Smokin' executions with tons of tireless breaks and tempo changes, technical virtuosity and balanced instrumentation with guitars and keyboards changing leading roles all the time.I am also reminded of Percy Jones' TUNNELS listening to the album, the softer parts of which recall the more ethereal side of RETURN TO FOREVER.There are two black holes to detect in ''Visible''.First comes the slightly sterile production, which makes Mezzanotte's keyboard flashing sound a bit thin throughout, I definitely prefer the acoustics of his electric piano instead.Then there are those turns towards pure Jazz, which sound too improvised and fail in comparison to the structured and more electric pieces.The rest of the album is more than ok though, it's fiery Fusion with powerful jazzy components, trying to keep a balance between technical displaying and laid-back atmospherics.The result is convincing and sincere with lots of interesting solos and rhythm variations, the tracks with the electric guitar in evidence are definitely the most interesting ones, featuring a powerful and tight sound.

Great purchase for anyone into contemporary Jazz Fusion.An extended palette oif keyboard, piano and guitar fests, performed with passion and integrity.Recommended.